§ *Mr. H. S. FOSTERI beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, 838 whether, in view of the dissatisfaction which exists in various municipal bodies, both in England and Scotland, respecting the terms of the proposed contract between the Postmaster General and the telephone companies, and the desire expressed in the House that the matter should be properly discussed in the House before the agreement is signed, the Government will afford facilities for that purpose before the signature of the agreement.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EX CHEQUER (Sir W. HARCOURT,) DerbyThe Hon. Member was aware that negotiations were already proceeding, which he hoped might result in favourable terms being arrived at.
§ MR. H. S. FOSTERAm I to understand that if those negotiations do not take a favourable turn, the House will have an opportunity of pronouncing its opinion on the agreement before it is signed.
§ SIR W. HARCOURTMy right hon. Friend the Postmaster General dealt with that subject last night.